Army Chief Advocates Homegrown Technology To Combat Insecurity
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has emphasized the importance of developing homegrown technology to address the growing security challenges in Nigeria. Represented by Major General Adeleke Ayannuga, Commander of the Nigeria Army Cyber Warfare Command, Lt-Gen Oluyede highlighted that reliance on foreign technology restricts the Nigerian Army’s potential to effectively combat insecurity.
Speaking at a one-day seminar organized by the Department of Army Transformation and Innovation in Abuja, with the theme: “Leveraging Home-grown Technological Solutions in Support of Nigerian Army Operations,” Oluyede pointed out that Nigeria faces unprecedented security threats, including terrorism, banditry, urban crimes, and separatist agitations. These issues have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities, and hindered economic development.
The Army Chief underscored the need for a new strategy to tackle these challenges, one that is adaptive, innovative, and rooted in homegrown technological solutions. “Homegrown technology is not just a tool. It is a declaration of technological independence in the fight against insecurity,” Oluyede stated, adding that such an approach would enhance national pride and ownership of the country’s security apparatus.
Oluyede also advocated for collaboration between the Nigerian Army and key local agencies, including the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Nigeria Communications Satellite Limited (NigComSat), Defense Space Administration (DSA), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). He emphasized that this partnership would foster better intelligence sharing, surveillance, and communication systems, vital for national security.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Abdulaziz Musa Yar’Adua, represented by Major General Abubakar Adamu (Rtd), echoed the importance of consistent and sustainable development of homegrown solutions. He stressed that Nigeria has the potential to develop the necessary technology internally, without relying on foreign sources. He also highlighted the importance of capacity building at all levels within the Army to manage these technologies effectively.
Mrs. Nkechi Idehen, Managing Director of NigComSat, supported the call for homegrown technology, pointing out that it would reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign currency for technology imports and ensure greater control over national security data.
Major General Zakari Abubakar, the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army) and host of the seminar, reiterated that the seminar was an important step in harnessing indigenous technological solutions to improve the Nigerian Army’s operational efficiency.
The event marked a significant move towards ensuring that Nigeria’s military is more self-reliant in tackling the country’s complex security challenges.
